Cleary Scores Twice as Red Wings Defeat Blue Jackets

Checking-line forward Dan Cleary scored two goals Saturday night, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-1 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

Cleary’s first goal came with 2:17 remaining in the first period, tipping a Chris Chelios shot from the point past Columbus goalie Pascal Leclaire.

His second, a shorthanded goal, came with 5:56 left in the second period. Cleary streaked past the Blue Jackets’ defense down the left side of the ice and cut across the front of the net before lifting a backhand shot over Leclaire’s outstretched pad.

Between those goals, Ron Hainsey scored for Columbus to tie the game but Henrik Zetterberg quickly replied, putting Detroit back out in front.

Mikael Samuelsson added a goal on a delayed penalty just 1:29 after Cleary’s second.

Fredrik Norrena stopped all ten shots he faced after replacing Leclaire to start the third period. Leclair made 24 saves on 27 shots in the opening 40 minutes, while Detroit goalie Dominik Hasek made 16 saves on 17 shots.

Columbus’ lone goal came on the power play, putting them at 1-for-9 on the night. Detroit was scoreless in seven tries with the extra attacker.

The Red Wings will be off until Wednesday night when they host the Edmonton Oilers.

---

Valtteri Filppula returned to the Detroit lineup after having been sent to Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Brad Norton, returning from a shoulder injury, was assigned to the Griffins to make room in the lineup.